Belgian SUP Tour (BST) shakes up the Technical Race Championships: New format, fresh talent on display

With the season opener Paddle of the Kempen raising the bar early on, expectations were high heading into the Belgian SUP Tour (BST) 2025 Technical Race Championships, despite the typically unpredictable coastal weather. Spearheaded by the tour’s Founder Vincent Claeskens, a dedicated community builder and elite paddler in his own right with deep knowledge of the scene, the event drew a strong international field, including athletes from France, the Netherlands, Germany, and even Slovenia, to the scenic shores of Koksijde, Belgium. The stage was set for fast-paced, tactical racing, and a bold twist in format that kept both competitors and spectators on edge.

This year, the Belgian SUP Tour (BST) introduced an innovative two-part structure: a classic mass start followed by a high-stakes pursuit race. The twist? Starting positions in the second race were the reverse of the first round’s finishing order, with time gaps carried over as handicaps. The result: non-stop action and a thrilling finale based on cumulative time.

The format proved a clear hit with both spectators and paddlers, offering a double dose of racing and fresh drama throughout the day. It also provided a prime showcase for emerging talent across the board. But in the end, it was Belgian frontrunners Kjell De Bruyn and Loranne Vleminckx held firm and claimed the top podium spots.

Winner: Loranne Vleminckx | Photo source: Belgian SUP Tour (BST)

After two fiercely contested rounds, it was the talented new generation of paddlers that confidently stepped into the spotlight. Special mention goes to Benyam Bossack (Light Board Corp Rider from the Netherlands) and Thomas Dusart (France), both Junior U18 athletes who impressed by finishing 2nd and 3rd overall, respectively. In the women’s category, the young talents Marrit Miedema (2025 Dutch Champion U18) and Marin Hoeboer (both U18) also made a strong statement with standout performances. Marin (SUNOVA Rider from the Netherlands) continues her outstanding streak, turning heads this season with a recent win at the EuroTour’s longest-running stop in Namur.

Marin Hoeboer | Photo source: Belgian SUP Tour (BST)

Up-and-comers like Selwyn Pritchard (Light Board Corp, The Netherlands) and Elin Van Der Sar (Light Board Corp, The Netherlands) are also steadily climbing the leaderboard, consistently securing podiums across the European SUP circuit.

Elin Van Der Sar and Benyam Bossack | Photo source: Belgian SUP Tour (BST)

Results: Top 10 Men

1.Kjell DE BRUYN
2.Thomas DUSART
3.Benyam BOSSACK
4.Joep VAN BAKEL
5.Maximus SIJRIER
6.Selwyn PRITCHARD
7.Thomas LELOVITS
8.Richard PROOST
9.Michel KEERSMAKERS-MICHIELS
10.Reinder IJMKER

Top Women

1.Loranne VLEMINCX 
2.Marrit MIEDEMA
3.Marin HOEBOER
4.Elin VAN DER SAR
5.Anne-Sophie QUENNESSON
6.Froukje WICHGERS-MARIËN

Upcoming Belgian SUP Tour events:

The Double 10 Challenge – Combining long distance races:  “Les 10 Heures de Vassivière” held on 5 July and  “The Longest Day” held on 30 August

30 August – Belgian Championship Ultra Long Distance (Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure) – Belgian SUP Tour (BST) + Double 10 Challenge

6 September – Belgian Championship Sprint + TR Hazewinkel – BST

21 September – Long Distance Nieuwpoort – BST + BeNe SUP Cup

14 December – SUP4Life (Long Distance) – BST

To find out more and register for the Belgian SUP Tour, visit belgiansuptour.be

Join the Belgian SUP Tour (BST) group on Facebook and follow BST on Instagram 

*Images courtesy of Belgian SUP Tour (BST)